Hello!

I'm Ryan Ellison

C

PhD Student at the University of York

LinkedIn Substack Twitter

Hello!

I'm Ryan Ellison

C

PhD Student at the University of York

LinkedIn Substack Twitter

Hello!

I'm Ryan Ellison

Cance

PhD Student at the University of York

LinkedIn Substack Twitter

Hello!

I'm Ryan Ellison

C

PhD Student at the University of York

LinkedIn Substack Twitter

Hello!

I'm Ryan Ellison

C

PhD Student at the University of York

LinkedIn Substack Twitter

Position: PhD in Biomedical Sciences

Institution: University of York

Thesis Title: Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 in Bladder Cancer - Perpetrator or Passenger?

What I'm Reading

A Philosophy of Intellectual Property - Peter Drahos
Intellectual Property: A Very Short Introduction - Siva Vaidhyanathan
Patent Law Essentials - Alan L. Durham

About

About Me

I’m Ryan, a PhD student at the univeristy of York. I’m a naturally curious, driven person, with a passion for understanding how things work. As a PhD student, I’m currently researching to try and understand the role of specific mutations in triggering the formation of bladder cancer from healthy tissue. Once the cancer has formed, can these mutations inform us as to how the cancer will behave, for example what treatments it might respond to?

I’m also passionate about science outreach and teaching - I love it when you get a question from someone that shows they’re really engaged in what you’re explaining. When you’re explaining something to a student, it’s very rewarding when you see them have that “Aha!” moment. I have >40 hours of experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, teaching in lab practicals, problem classes, and marking reports.

  • Skills: Research, writing, speaking, teamwork, project management
  • Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Masters in Biochemistry
  • Qualifications: Human Tissue Authority Level 2, Epigeum: Research Integrity in Biomedical Sciences, ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management
  • Interests: Kendo, Reading, Teaching

Resume

Resume

Biomedical Sciences PhD Student at the University of York, researching growth factor signalling in bladder cancer. I am passionate about teaching and outreach, and I love to engage with students and the public to discuss scientific research.

Experience


Jan 2025 - Present

Medical Lab Assistant (Band 2)

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  • Work as part of a team in fast-paced enviroment.
  • Multi-tasking and constantly adapting to shifting priorities and changing workflow needs.
  • Contribute to ensuring a timely and accurate histopathology service for patients.
  • As part of this role, completed training in conflict resolution and information governance.

    • October - December, 2024

    Bereavement Officer (Band 2)

    Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  • Received calls from bereaved families, offering compassion at all times.
  • Liased with hospital doctors, the medical examiner and medical examiner officers to ensure accurate and timely completion of documentation necessary for death certification.
  • Ensured timely and comprehensive communication with the Coroner's office and funeral directors.
  • Took on an increased level of responsibility, as this role is typically advertised at Band 4.

    • July - October, 2024

    Medical Lab Assistant (Band 2)

    Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  • Work as part of a team in fast-paced enviroment.
  • Multi-tasking and constantly adapting to shifting priorities and changing workflow needs.
  • Contribute to ensuring a timely and accurate histopathology service for patients.
  • As part of this role, completed training in conflict resolution and information governance.

    • 2018

    Laidlaw Scholarship

    University of Oxford and Aix-Marseille Université

    Laboratory project to genetically engineer E. coli bacteria which can recognise and kill Colorectal Cancer cells.

  • Researched background literature and developed a successful project proposal to obtain >£8000 funding.
  • Obtained Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 certificate and completed Epigeum course of Research Integrity in Biomedical Sciences.



    • Education


    2020-Present

    PhD in Biomedical Sciences

    University of York

    PhD viva passed subject to corrections and graduation expected in July 2025.

  • Laboratory project investigating how mutation of the gene FGFR3 may induce changes in the normal bladder epithelial lining and whether this drives development of bladder cancer.
  • Strong communication skills developed through regular lab meetings, national and international conferences presenting posters and research talks, as well as numerous outreach events.
  • Effective project management and self-organisational skills, developed through scheduling of experiments across multiple projects simultaneously. Balanced short-term goals and report and conference deadlines with long-term project goals.
  • Overcame numerous experimental and technical setbacks. Each time I was able to push through and adapt in order to continue my research, and as such I have developed a high level of resilience.
  • Ran “Meet a PhD” outreach sessions where undergraduate students could speak to postgraduates in a relaxed environment to find out if they wanted to undertake postgraduate study. I have also delivered several outreach talks at Sixth form colleges about degrees and careers in science, and also delivered a series of laboratory practicals to sixth form students to show them how lab techniques can inform on cancer treatment.
  • Started my own outreach website and blog to inform students thinking about postgraduate study on topics such as how to find PhD funding, and what studying for a PhD is actually like.
    • 2016-2020

    Undergraduate and Integrated Masters in Biochemistry

    University of Oxford

    MBiochem (Hons) - Upper Second Class (2:1)

  • Laboratory project investigating which parts of the protein Mad1 are required for cells to control the timing of how they divide.
  • As a guest author, wrote a historical perspective article for The Oxford Scientist the History of Blood Transfusions.
  • As President of the Kendo Club, organised equipment orders and tournament entry and chaired executive committee meetings. Also liaised with the Treasurer to obtain club grants and submit annual financial reports.
    • 2014-2016

    Sixth Form

    Carmel Sixth Form College

    A Level - Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*), Mathematics (A). AS Level - Psychology (B) and EPQ (A*).

    2011-2014

    Higher Secondary School

    Rainhill High School

    GCSEs - 8 A*and 4 A’s including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

    Download CV

    Presentation and Outreach

    Presentations and Outreach

    Below is a list of academic presentations and outreach events I have been involved in.

    University of York Graduate Symposium 2023

    Research Talk.

    York Against Cancer ENTHUSE partnership lab outreach day

    Assisted in delivery of lab outreach event - "DNA fingerprinting in cancer" - to high school and sixth form students.

    York Against Cancer Volunteer Celebration Teaparty 2023

    Outreach talk.


    International Bladder Cancer Network 2022 (Barcelona)

    Flash Talk and Poster Presentation.

    University of York Biology Research Away Day 2022 (York)

    Poster Presentation.

    British Association for Cancer Research 60th Anniversary Conference (Nottingham)

    Poster Presentation; Awarded funding to attend.


    You can read my blog on Substack

    I write about what it's really like to study for a PhD


    Substack

    Contact

    Contact Me

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